Plaid, Tartan and Check dominated the AW08 runways earlier this year and it looks set to be dominate your wardrobe when the Autumn Winter collections hit the shops. If you are ahead of the game you may have already noticed this bold print creeping into trousers, dresses, jackets and scarfs. In fact there seems to be nothing that the Check has not conquered. D&G used it dangerously, with bold maxi length dresses and striking tartan tights whereas Asprey have transformed the print into sexy voluminous cocktail dresses. However the trend is not limited to the catwalk.Highstreet brands such as Topshop, Warehouse and Matalan have created versions for those on a budget. Such as the little Matalan dress that bears a striking resemblance to a blue/green D&G dress. However fear not the plaid print as this trend is meant to put some fun back into fashion. It can be worn 1970's style (another trend for AW08) with wide leg jeans and plenty of tan accessories or put a red tartan shirt dress with some opaque black tights, eyeliner and attitude and you will be set for the season.

*Please note all pictures used in this post do not belong to the author of Stylespeakslouder, nor is the author seeking any credit for the photos used.

These Stella McCartney high wedges came into the fashion cupboard a few weeks ago and I am in love. Incredibly impossible to walk in and completely in practical, I think they are great. These super wedges are in blue velvet but they also come in patent and in a variety of other colours, but they retail for around £545, so unless someone is willing to give me a pair they will remain as fantasy shoes.

But statement shoes like these are going to be so big this winter. Nicholas Kirkwood are another of my favourites. His graphic cut out platforms and rich purples and fabrics make a powerful impact on any outfit. Whereas Louis Vuitton have combined the wedge and the heel to make some sort of wedge-heel hybrid that will have any fashionista tottering on their toes.

And the new YSL shoe boots have been hailed as 'Shoe Boot of the Season' with a high concealed platform and a round toe it is sure to be a major trend this winter no matter how much snow may fall. It has even been rumoured that New Look have made a pair almost identical.

During a fire alarm at the office today we found ourselves discussing the novelties of men in uniform, while waiting to be let back in.The firemen that had arrived were quite disappointing as they were neither hot or young (why is this?) but it sparked up the conversation of men in uniforms - most of the girls agreed firemen were hot, I particularly like policemen as long as they are not wearing the tall hats but one girl admitted to a thing for paramedics.So who is hotter - the verdict is still out.